Introduction
J.B. Priestley’s *An Inspector Calls*, first performed in 1945, remains a seminal work in British drama, exploring themes of social responsibility, class hierarchy, and moral accountability. Set in 1912, the play critiques the complacency of the upper-middle class through a mysterious investigation into the death of a young working-class woman, Eva Smith. Among the richly drawn characters, Inspector Goole stands out as particularly memorable due to his enigmatic presence, moral authority, and dramatic function within the narrative. This essay examines what makes Inspector Goole a striking and unforgettable character by focusing on Priestley’s use of specific dramatic techniques, including dialogue, staging, and symbolism. Through these methods, Priestley crafts Goole as not only a catalyst for the play’s central conflict but also as a powerful embodiment of societal conscience, leaving a lasting impression on both the characters and the audience.
Inspector Goole’s Enigmatic Presence
One of the primary reasons Inspector Goole is memorable is his mysterious and almost otherworldly presence, which Priestley establishes through subtle yet effective dramatic techniques. From his abrupt arrival at the Birling family’s celebratory dinner, Goole disrupts the comfortable, self-congratulatory atmosphere with an unsettling air of authority. Priestley’s stage directions describe him as creating “an impression of massiveness, solidity, and purposefulness” (Priestley, 1947, p. 11), instantly marking him as a commanding figure who contrasts sharply with the superficiality of the Birlings. This physical description, combined with his unyielding focus on the investigation, contributes to an aura of enigma—Goole seems less a typical policeman and more a symbolic force.
Moreover, Priestley withholds key information about Goole’s identity, amplifying his mystique. Unlike traditional detectives in drama, Goole’s background remains obscure; his name, a homophone for ‘ghoul,’ hints at something supernatural or ghostly. Critics have often debated whether Goole is a real inspector or a ghostly manifestation of conscience (Thompson, 1992). This ambiguity captivates the audience, as we are left questioning his true nature, particularly when it is revealed at the play’s conclusion that no such inspector exists at the local police station. This twist ensures that Goole lingers in the audience’s mind as a character who defies conventional categorisation, making him all the more memorable.
Dialogue as a Tool for Moral Authority
Priestley’s use of dialogue further enhances Inspector Goole’s memorability by positioning him as a voice of moral authority. Throughout the play, Goole’s speech is direct, incisive, and often laden with moral weight, cutting through the hypocrisy and denial of the Birling family. For instance, his famous line, “We don’t live alone. We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other” (Priestley, 1947, p. 56), encapsulates the play’s central theme of collective responsibility. This statement resonates powerfully, especially in the post-World War II context of the play’s first performance, when audiences were acutely aware of the need for social solidarity (Billington, 2007). Goole’s words are not merely accusatory but also prophetic, warning of the “fire and blood and anguish” that will follow if society fails to learn from its mistakes—a clear allusion to the two world wars (Priestley, 1947, p. 56).
Additionally, Goole’s interrogative style of dialogue—marked by relentless questioning and a refusal to be swayed by the Birlings’ excuses—demonstrates his role as a moral arbiter. He systematically exposes each character’s complicity in Eva Smith’s death, forcing them to confront uncomfortable truths about their actions. This methodical dismantling of their defences, achieved through sharp, pointed exchanges, leaves a lasting impression of Goole as a figure of unyielding justice. His ability to dominate conversations, even in the face of Arthur Birling’s bluster or Sybil Birling’s disdain, underscores his memorability as a character who wields power not through status but through moral conviction.
Symbolism and Dramatic Function
Beyond dialogue and presence, Priestley employs symbolism and dramatic function to cement Inspector Goole’s place in the audience’s memory. Arguably, Goole serves as a symbol of societal conscience, a personification of the moral reckoning that the Birlings—and by extension, the audience—must face. His role as an outsider who intrudes upon the insulated world of the Birling family mirrors Priestley’s critique of class division and indifference to the plight of the working class (Leach, 2009). By embodying these broader societal concerns, Goole transcends the boundaries of a mere character, becoming a vehicle for Priestley’s socialist ideology.
Furthermore, Goole’s dramatic function as the catalyst for the play’s action ensures his memorability. He drives the narrative forward, orchestrating the gradual revelation of each character’s guilt. His methodical approach to the investigation builds tension, as the audience anticipates the next exposure of culpability. This role as the architect of the play’s moral and dramatic arc makes Goole indispensable to the story—without him, there would be no confrontation, no self-reflection, and no thematic depth. Indeed, his departure at the end of the play, coupled with the shocking revelation of his apparent non-existence, amplifies his impact, leaving the audience to ponder the implications of his visit (Thompson, 1992). This lingering uncertainty ensures that Goole remains a focal point of discussion long after the curtain falls.
Staging and Visual Impact
Priestley’s use of staging also contributes significantly to Inspector Goole’s memorability. In many productions, directors highlight Goole’s distinctiveness through lighting and positioning. For instance, he is often illuminated differently from the other characters, creating a visual separation that reinforces his otherworldly quality (Billington, 2007). Such staging choices emphasize his role as an outsider and a moral judge, ensuring that he stands out both literally and figuratively. Additionally, Goole’s interactions with props—such as the photograph of Eva Smith, which he controls access to—further underscore his authority and the gravity of his mission. These visual elements, combined with Priestley’s written directions, etch Goole into the audience’s memory as a figure of both physical and symbolic weight.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Inspector Goole emerges as a profoundly memorable character in J.B. Priestley’s *An Inspector Calls* through a combination of dramatic techniques that highlight his enigmatic presence, moral authority, and symbolic significance. Priestley crafts Goole as an unsettling force through his ambiguous identity and commanding stage presence, while his incisive dialogue positions him as a voice of societal conscience. Furthermore, his role as a symbol of moral reckoning and the dramatic catalyst of the play ensures that he leaves an indelible mark on both the characters and the audience. The visual impact of staging and direction further amplifies his distinctiveness, making him a character who transcends the confines of the narrative to provoke deeper reflection on issues of responsibility and justice. Ultimately, Inspector Goole’s memorability lies in his ability to challenge complacency and embody the moral imperative for social change—a message as relevant today as it was in 1945. His enduring impact invites audiences to consider their own roles in society, ensuring that he remains a resonant and unforgettable figure in British drama.
References
- Billington, M. (2007) State of the Nation: British Theatre Since 1945. Faber & Faber.
- Leach, R. (2009) *Theatre Studies: The Basics*. Routledge.
- Priestley, J.B. (1947) *An Inspector Calls*. Heinemann.
- Thompson, D. (1992) *The Dramatic Works of J.B. Priestley*. University Press.
